Lisa Marie Corso's Perfect Off-The-Plan Pad

Homes

For those who have read TDF for a little while, today’s guest homeowner needs no introduction. In fact, can really be called a guest!?! It is more a tale of the prodigal daughter returning home to visit.

After years on the other side of the keyboard, today writer/screenwriter Lisa Marie takes us through the process of being a first home buyer and allows us to sticky-beak in her off-the-plan apartment. (And to absolutely no-one’s surprise, it is filled with brilliantly bright and quirky Australian art and design!).

16th May, 2018

Writer and screenwriter Lisa Marie Corso’s Essendon apartment is FILLED with knick-knacks – Lisa thinks of them as objects in her own little museum. Photo – for the Design Files.

Detail of Lisa’s colourful living/dining area.‘I call my house the ‘Essendon Retreat Day Spa’ – living twenty minutes from the city means I can properly chill out and recharge from work and socialising, while still being super close to those things,’ says Lisa. Photo – for the Design Files.

Another of Lisa’s cabinet of curiosities! Vintage poster from and illustration by and painting by Tai Snaith. Knick-knacks, including vintage Kokeshi doll, glassware, ceramics and Fornasetti. Photo – for the Design Files.

Door decal by , giant pencil from , dining table, and Trattoria Chairs for Magis. Artwork by Henry. The door decal is by Lisa’s dear friend Jeffrey Phillips. ‘He had drawn this woman in a small notebook and I loved her instantly. I rang him up and said, “let’s make it larger than life,” literally. It was turned into a door decal with a team effort of Jeff and my friends Annie Portelli and Alice Oehr.’ Photo – for the Design Files.

Colourful kitchen details. Photo – for the Design Files.

‘Me with the most superfluous thing I have ever bought – a giant pencil! Necessary for a writer,’ says Lisa! Custom cabinetry by Gordon Johnson (Lucy’s husband!). Face sculpture a gift from a friend from Turkey and painting (top right) from Sophie Gannon Gallery. Photo – for the Design Files.

Grazia & Co table, Jasper Morrison Trattoria Chair for Magis, cast iron pot. ‘I cook a lot. Everyone says I should meditate but my mind is like a hamster on a wheel and it just doesn’t work for me, cooking is my meditation. I make an effort to cook something pretty delicious every weeknight.’ Photo – for the Design Files.

Living area. Moroccan boucherouite rug, trays, poodle mug from Lisa’s sister and the hand-me-down coffee table is her Nonna’s from the 1960s. Photo – for the Design Files.

‘I’m obsessed with watching TV so needed a good couch,’ says Lisa. This one’s from . Photo – for the Design Files.

Living area with artworks by , and Emily Ferretti. Jardan couch with cushions by , , and . Photo – for the Design Files.

The spare room/study. IKEA PS1 desk and plywood dog by Alice Oehr. ‘I work a few days at home every week, so having a #zenden to write in is essential to my productivity,’ Lisa says, ‘Also, if you ever have a spare wall but no money to buy extra art, use some washi tape and stick up your favourite cards from your friends. Voila!’
Photo – for the Design Files.

Illustration by , a photographic fine art print from from , plywood vessel and sculpture by . Children’s book from Japan. Photo – for the Design Files.

Lucy Feagins

Wednesday 16th May 2018

‘When people come to my house for a one hour visit it turns into an eight-hour sojourn through my life.’ – Lisa Marie Corso.

spent her early 20s writing about other peoples houses, but also followed a disciplined approach to saving for her own! As a solo first home buyer, Lisa put her research skills to task – describing Domain as her ‘real estate Tinder’ – before settling on this two bedroom, two bathroom apartment, in a mid-sized development in Essendon.

Lisa’s apartment is larger than most off-the-plan offerings, and offered a cost-effective investment she knew would be ready to move into upon completion. ‘I knew I had a limited budget, and wouldn’t be able to spend anything further on renovations, so it was important to find a place that was ready-to-go and needed no immediate touch-ups,’ she explains.

The 18-month wait between signing on the dotted line and moving in also allowed Lisa ample time to amass the world’s most comprehensive ‘glory box’, scouting online for furniture, and researching Australian designers and artists for artwork and objects to adorn the walls and shelves – ensuring her first apartment would feel like home. ‘I have a rule that I will never buy or keep anything that doesn’t have a story, which is why when people come to my house for a one hour visit it turns into an eight-hour sojourn through my life,’ Lisa muses. ‘Don’t worry, I keep my guests hydrated and well fed’.

Living within a small footprint has also emphasised for Lisa the value of owning less, but prioritising quality purchases where possible. A passion for cooking (who can remember her Nonna’s famous meatball recipe!?) meant investing in a great quality dining table – she opted for a circular four-seater from local furniture brand . In addition to carefully selected furniture, some of Lisa’s most treasured possessions are art and handcrafted objects by local makers and creative friends, including Alic Oehr, Jeffrey Phillips, Evi O and Esther Stewart.

Lisa’s space is an absolute reflection of her character – not a pencil out of place, perfectly styled, full of colour and a touch of the eclectic (see woven fish basket beside the bed, poodle head mug handle, etc!). It might have been purchased off the plan, but this perfect little pad really shows how personal details and thoughtful use of space can make a ‘ready-to-go’ apartment zing with personality. Especially when you have a personality as bright as Lisa’s!

What a JOYFUL abode! Lisa has a great touch – I love her eclectic mix of beautiful & quirky objects (all with meaning!).

This has definitely brightened my day, thank you : )

10 months ago

Phoebe

10 months ago

I love this so much! As a fellow apartment dweller, it’s so inspiring to see spaces like this.

I do have to ask though, does no one in these houses (TDF features) own TVs? I would love to see one appear in a shoot once in a while, or is that too unglamorous?

10 months ago

evelyn

10 months ago

Oh LisaMarie, I remember going to look at the developer’s ‘show apartment’ with you and Lucy and we all swooned.
You’ve made it even better than it promised. Just beautiful.

10 months ago

Rayna

10 months ago

That kitchen is awesome! Was that truly off the plan, or a bit customised from the plan? I love it.

10 months ago

Chez

10 months ago

A SELF-portrait on a door!!!! GENIUS!!! 🌟🌟🌟

10 months ago

Emma Rickards

10 months ago

Lisa, your gorgeous little place captures everything about who you are – joyous, clever, warm and witty, and a curator of not only words, but spaces too. Thanks for the peak into your home (from your favourite teacher!) x

10 months ago

Margot

10 months ago

Love this – all the tchotchkes and the kitchen is lovely.

10 months ago

Lucy

10 months ago

This is the best apartment ever! The pencil! The door! So much fun – love it. Thanks for sharing

10 months ago

Kate

10 months ago

Oh isn’t she just gorgeous!

10 months ago

Lisa Marie Corso

10 months ago

Hello everyone and thanks for your SERIOUSLY nice comments! There’s definitely a TV in my place, could not live without one, and the kitchen was not customised – that’s exactly how it came – which is lucky because I would be the WORST at a reno!
Thanks again and ps. hello to my favourite high school art teacher!

10 months ago

Joanie O

10 months ago

Hi Lisa,
What a wonderful space! While it’s great to see so many architecturally interesting houses on TDF, they’re simply aspirational for most of us – it’s wonderful to see an ‘everyday house’ here.
I’d love to know more about the process to DIY decal – are you able to give more info please?
J

10 months ago

Lisa Marie Corso

10 months ago

Hi Joanie O. Thanks so much! The decal is by Jeffrey Phillips – his website is jeffreyphillips.com.au – if you give him an email he will definitely help you out.